Gabriel – Christmas Messenger

One of the angels that the Bible tells us about is Gabriel. Gabriel is one of the archangels in Jewish and Christian thought. Gabriel appears two times in the Old Testament. The first time is found in Daniel 8 when Gabriel is sent to Daniel to explain the vision that had been given to Daniel. The second time is found in Daniel 9 when Daniel is fasting and praying to God. Gabriel comes to Daniel and gives him insight to the prophecies that had been given. Nearly five hundred years pass and Gabriel appears again. This time it is found in the New Testament. Gabriel appears to Zacharias to tell him that he would have a son. He tells him that his son would be a great man and he would turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. Gabriel was tell Zacharias about John the Baptist.

But the last time that Gabriel appears in the Bible is found in Luke when he appears to a young woman. Gabriel was sent from God to the town of Nazareth to talk with Mary. This was Gabriel most important message. He came to tell Mary that she would give birth to a son and his name would be Jesus. Jesus would be great and would be called the Son of God. He would reign over the house of Jacob and his kingdom would have no end. Mary was confused by the statement and wondered how could this happen. Gabriel explained to her how the virgin birth would take. Mary would give birth to the Son of God.

Gabriel had the privilege to tell Mary the great story of Jesus Christ. We have been allowed the same privilege today. This Christmas we have the opportunity to share and tell others that Jesus is the Son of God. We need to let others know that everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in the resurrection of Jesus will receive life and be delivered from the judgment that will come to the earth.

Christmas is a time of sharing and nothing greater than to join with Gabriel in telling others about Jesus.